
Do you remember scrambling down the arrival hall trying to find THE store where you ordered your SIM card?
Because I do. And it’s definitely not fun when your airport transfer driver is waiting for you.
Gone were the days. We’re in an age where there are many other data options including Data Roaming and Pocket Wi-Fi. And now, eSIM.
This means you don’t have to collect your SIM cards anymore! Yes, you can purchase and activate eSIMs online, even before you arrive at your travel destination.
How does it work? What’s the best eSIM in the market? Are they cheaper in general?
Let’s find out!
TL;DR: Ultimate Travel eSIM Comparison Across Price, Data Capacity, Coverage, And Pros & Cons
Click here to jump:
- What is an eSIM?
- How to choose an aSIM?
- Pros and cons of using an eSIM
- Best for Regional Travellers
- Best for Asia
- Best for Heavy Data Users
- Best for Light Data Users
Disclaimer: Prices are obtained from the brands listed, and can be subject to change without prior notice. Information provided by Seedly does not constitute an offer, affiliation or solicitation to buy or sell any product(s). It does not take into account the specific objectives or particular needs of any person. We strongly advise readers to do their due diligence before making any purchases.
What Is An eSIM?
For the uninitiated, eSIM stands for “embedded SIM” or “electronic SIM.”
In short, it replaces physical SIM cards in mobile devices with a programmable chip soldered directly to the device’s motherboard. This chip can store multiple SIM profiles and be remotely provisioned with carrier information.
What’s The Difference Between Local eSIM and Regional eSIM?
A local eSIM plan offers service within a single country (e.g. Malaysia). In contrast, a regional eSIM plan extends coverage to multiple countries within a defined area, like Europe. Meanwhile, a global eSIM plan encompasses various countries across the world, including Germany, Thailand, Brazil, and more.
What’s Unlimited Data And Daily High-Speed Limit?
You might be confused when you see terminologies such as “Unlimited Data” and “1GB Daily Limit/1GB Daily High-Speed Usage” all on one single eSIM.
So, do you get unlimited data or not?
Yes, you still do.
An unlimited data plan typically means that you have access to a large amount of data for a fixed fee, and there is no specific limit on how much data you can use within a billing cycle.
When there is a “GB Daily Speed Data” on your Unlimited data plan, this type of plan provides you with a specific daily allocation of high-speed data, for example, 1GB.
This means you can use up to 1GB of data at high-speed (fast) internet rates each day. Once you exceed this 1GB limit, your data speeds may be reduced (throttled) for the remainder of the day, but you can still access the internet at a slower speed or with data usage limitations.
And for most eSIMs, the maximum daily speed limit is 2GB. For example, a 15-day unlimited data eSIM has a 30GB high-speed data limit, and its daily high-speed data is 2GB. After 2GB is used, you can still use unlimited Data, but the speed will slow down, and it will back to high speed again the next day.
How to Choose An eSIM Card That Suits Your Needs
Choosing the right eSIM card that suits your needs involves considering several factors, including your usage patterns, travel plans, device compatibility, and budget.
Mainly, you need to determine if you are a frequent traveller, a remote worker, or simply looking for a flexible mobile data solution.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Know your typical data, voice, and text usage
- Check Device Compatibility
- Identify Your Coverage Needs
- Consider Data Limits and Speeds
- Compare Plan Costs
- Read Reviews and Recommendations
- Consider Long-Term vs. Short-Term
- Check Plan Flexibility: Look for plans that offer flexibility, such as the ability to switch plans or add more data as needed. Avoid long-term commitments if you’re unsure about your future needs.
Advantages And Disadvantages of an eSIM
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of using an eSIM:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Flexibility in storing multiple profiles in your device and you can easily switch between different carriers and plans without changing physical SIM cards | Device Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM technology. Compatibility varies by device and manufacturer |
Convenience of no physical cards and easy set up | Initial setup might be unfamiliar for some users, as it involves downloading profiles and configuring settings. Some people may prefer the simplicity of traditional SIM cards |
Travel-Friendly | Loss of SIM Swapping: eSIMs are tied to a specific device, making it less convenient if you frequently switch devices |
Cost-efficient: Avoid expensive roaming fees by using local eSIM profiles when abroad | Security Concerns: Like any technology, eSIMs are susceptible to hacking and security breaches. Ensuring proper security measures is crucial |
Reduced E-Waste: eSIMs contribute to reducing electronic waste since they eliminate the need for physical SIM card replacements | Limited Physical Backup: In case of device failure or damage, having a physical backup SIM card is not possible with eSIMs |
Now, if you are in for using an eSIM and are a budget traveller, here are the best eSIMs that suit different travelling patterns.
Best for Regional Travellers
There are a few criteria (besides keeping cost low) we look at before deciding which eSIM provider is the best for regional travelling:
- Provides wide network coverage
- Provides instant activation
- Provides regional packages so you can switch providers easily
Among all shortlisted providers, Airalo has the widest network coverage of over 200 countries. Another option is Onesim.co, however, eSIMs for all regions except Europe & Middle East are sold out.
eSIM | Data Capacity | Validity | Network Coverage | Est. Price (Before discount) | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airalo by SingTel | 1GB | 7 days | > 200 countries | $6 - $11 (USD4.50 - 8) | Widest network coverage |
2GB | 15 days | $11 - $21 (USD8 - 15) | |||
3GB | 30 days | $14 - $29 (USD10.50 - 21) | |||
5GB | 30 days | $45 (USD15 - 32.50) | |||
10GB | 30 days | $34 - $41 (USD25 - 30) | |||
20GB | 30 days | $55 (USD40 - 42) | |||
Maya Mobile | 1GB | 30 days | Asia Pacific | $7 (£4 GBP) | Fuss-free travellers with instant activation |
3GB | $17 (£10 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $26 (£15 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $39 (£23 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $82 (£48 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Europe | $7 (£4 GBP) | ||
3GB | $14 (£8 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $20 (£12 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $68 (£40 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | United States | $7 (£4 GBP) | ||
3GB | $17 (£10 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $22 (£13 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $108 (£63 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Caribbean | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||
3GB | $77 (£45 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $101 (£59 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $164 (£96 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Latin America | $14 (£8 GBP) | ||
3GB | $26 (£15 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $39 (£23 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $75 (£44 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $176 (£103 GBP) | ||||
Nomad eSIM | 1GB | 30 days | Asia Pacific | 20 countries: USD8 | 10% off all 10GB and above eSIM plans every Tues (PST) using promo code [NOMADTUE] If you're getting local data plan for one country, it will be charged per GB. Best for Regional travellers who are not heavy data users. |
3GB | 12 countries: $18 (USD13) 20 countries: $18 (USD13) |
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5GB | 12 countries: $20 (USD15) 20 countries: $23 (USD17) |
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10GB | 20 countries: $33 (USD28) |
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20GB | 20 countries: $44 (USD38) |
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30GB | 20 countries: $70 (USD65) |
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1GB | 30 days | Nordic | $11 (USD8) | ||
3GB | $22 (USD16) | ||||
5GB | $24 (USD18) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Europe | $7 (USD5) | ||
3GB | $18 (USD13) | ||||
5GB | $20 (USD15) | ||||
10GB | $30 (USD22) | ||||
20GB | $61 (USD45) | ||||
Onesim.co | 1GB | 7 days | Europe | $7 (USD4.90) | Option to top up for a local number Up to 25% discount off eSIMs until further notice Best for Regional travellers: Europe, USA & Mexico, Africa, Asia, Oceania & Middle East. But all except Europe & Middle East are sold out. |
3GB | 30 days | $12 (USD8.90) | |||
5GB | $18 (USD12.90) | ||||
10GB | $34 (USD24.90) | ||||
20GB | $41 (USD29.90) | ||||
1GB | 7 days | Middle East | USD9.90 (out of stock) | ||
3GB | 30 days | USD19.90 (out of stock) | |||
5GB | USD32.90 (out of stock) | ||||
10GB | $89 (USD64.90) |
Best for Asia
Travelling in Asia and Southeast Asia is especially common these days given that countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines are getting increasingly popular.
For those who are looking to travel within Southeast Asia, WeFly provides unlimited data at affordable prices, subject to the daily data limit and the number of days required.
eSIM | Data Capacity | Validity | Network Coverage | Est. Price (Before discount) | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
WeFly | Unlimited data | 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 days | China | $6 (1-day, 300MB daily limit) - $52 (15 days, 2GB daily limit) | Wide variety of eSIM combination |
1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 days | Thailand | $3.90 (1-day, 500MB daily limit) - $25 (15-day, 2GB daily limit) | |||
3 - 15 days | Indonesia | $6.90 (3-day, 500MB daily limit) - $32.90 (15-day, 2GB daily limit) | |||
3 - 15 days | Australia / New Zealand | $20 (5 - 15 days, 2GB daily limit) | |||
2 - 15 days | Saudi Arabia | $9.90 (2-day, 600MB) - $147.90 (15-day, 2GB daily limit) | |||
1 - 30 days | United Arab Emirates | $23.90 (3 day, 2GB daily limit) - $110.90 (15-day, 2GB daily limit) | |||
Yoodo | 2GB | N.A. | Malaysia | $3.60 (RM12) | Charged per month. Best for those who frequent JB |
6GB | $4 (RM15) | ||||
10GB | $5 (RM18) | ||||
20GB | $6 (RM20) | ||||
30GB | $10 (RM35) | ||||
40GB | $12 (RM40) | ||||
60GB | $17 (RM58) | ||||
80GB | $20 (RM68) | ||||
100GB | $23 (RM78) | ||||
150GB | $26 (RM88) | ||||
200GB | $29 (RM98) | ||||
Unlimited | $10 (RM35) |
Best for Heavy Data Users
It’s worth noting that when there’s a flight delay if you’re a Jetpac eSIM user, you will be able to enjoy airport lounge access! This eSIM is also the best for heavy data users who are travelling in Asia, over a period of 30 days.
Moreover, if you’re looking at discounts Changi Recommends and Echo networks are having up to 50% and 65% sales on their eSIMs now.
eSIM | Data Capacity | Validity | Network Coverage | Est. Price (Before discount) | Special Features/Promotions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Changi Recommends | Unlimited data | 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days | Australia & New Zealand | Australia: $10.45 (1 day) - $217.69 (30 days) New Zealand: $31.90 (5 days) - $217.69 (30 days) Australia & New Zealand: $21.90 (7 days) - $121.90 (20 days) | Wide variety of combination of days and data required. eSIMs are all up to 50% off now. Extra 15% off all eSIMs and data packages with promo code SEPESIM15. Promotion valid till 30 Sep 2023. |
Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam | $3.25 (1 day) - $310.45 (30 days) | ||||
China, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan | China: $7.15 (1 day) - $578 (30 days) China, Macau, Hong Kong: $5.80 (1 days) - 109.50 (30 days) Macau & Hong Kong: $23.90 (15 days) - $46.50 (30 days) Taiwan: $19.25 (3 days) - $30 (30 days) |
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Japan, South Korea | $7.15 (1 day) $378.95 (30 days) | ||||
United Arab Emirates | |||||
United States | |||||
Holafly | Unlimited data | 5 days | Asia Pacific | $37 (USD27) | Wide coverage of over >160 countries, 24/7 support over WhatsApp |
7 days | $47 (USD34) | ||||
10 days | $51 (USD37) | ||||
15 days | $64 (USD47) | ||||
20 days | $74 (USD54) | ||||
5 days | Europe | $26 (USD19) | |||
7 days | $37 (USD27) | ||||
10 days | $47 (USD34) | ||||
15 days | $64 (USD47) | ||||
20 days | $74 (USD54) | ||||
30 days | $87 (USD64) | ||||
60 days | #rowspan# | $119 (USD87) | |||
90 days | $135 (USD99) | ||||
5 days | North America | $37 (USD27) | |||
7 days | $47 (USD34) | ||||
10 days | $60 (USD44) | ||||
15 days | $74 (USD54) | ||||
20 days | $87 (USD64) | ||||
30 days | $119 (USD87) | ||||
60 days | $156 (USD144) | ||||
90 days | $292 (USD214) | ||||
15 days | South America | $60 (USD44) | |||
5 days | United Kingdom | $26 (USD19) | |||
7 days | $37 (USD27) | ||||
10 days | $47 (USD34) | ||||
15 days | $64 (USD47) | ||||
20 days | $74 (USD54) | ||||
30 days | $87 (USD64) | ||||
60 days | $115 (USD84) | ||||
90 days | $135 (USD99) | ||||
15 days | Caribbean | $74 (USD54) | |||
Jetpac by Circles.Life | 18GB (8GB FREE with promo code FREE8GB) | 30 days | 50 popular countries | $35 | Free airport lounge access for delayed flights. Best for heavy data users travelling in Southeast Asia. |
5GB | 30 days | 15 Asia Pacific countries | $25 | ||
20GB | 30 days | 5 SEA countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam | $20 | ||
5GB | 30 days | 5 SEA countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam | $12 | ||
Maya Mobile | 1GB | 30 days | Asia Pacific | $7 (£4 GBP) | Best for regional travelling. Fuss-free travellers with instant activitation |
3GB | $17 (£10 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $26 (£15 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $39 (£23 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $82 (£48 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Europe | $7 (£4 GBP) | ||
3GB | $14 (£8 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $20 (£12 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $68 (£40 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | United States | $7 (£4 GBP) | ||
3GB | $17 (£10 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $22 (£13 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $108 (£63 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Caribbean | $34 (£20 GBP) | ||
3GB | $77 (£45 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $101 (£59 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $164 (£96 GBP) | ||||
1GB | 30 days | Latin America | $14 (£8 GBP) | ||
3GB | $26 (£15 GBP) | ||||
5GB | $39 (£23 GBP) | ||||
10GB | $75 (£44 GBP) | ||||
Unlimited | $176 (£103 GBP) | ||||
SimOptions | 12GB | 14 days | Europe | $54 (USD39.90) | No unlimited data options, 1GB and 7 days minimum. Unlimited calls and SMS. |
30GB | 14 days | $109 (USD79.90) | |||
5GB | 15 days | $34 (USD24.90) | |||
15GB | 15 days | $41 (USD29.90) | |||
50GB | 28 days | $123 (USD89.90) | |||
10GB | 30 days | $54 (USD39.90) | |||
30GB | 30 days | $109 (USD79.90) | |||
50GB | 60 days | $163 (USD119.90) | |||
6GB | 10 days | North America | $34 (USD24.90) | ||
1GB | 30 days | $20 - $54 (USD19.90 - $39.90) | |||
20GB | 30 days | $68 (USD49.90) | |||
6GB | 15 days | Sorth America | $109 (USD79.90) | ||
30 days | 1GB | Caribbean | $54 (USD39.90) | ||
6GB | 10 - 12 days | Asia | $34 (USD24.90) | ||
6GB | 12 days | Southeast Asia | $34 (USD24.90) | ||
6GB | 10 days | Oceania | $34 (USD24.90) | ||
6GB | 8 days | Middle East | $41 (USD29.90) | ||
6GB | 10 days | $34 (USD24.90) | |||
6GB | 15 days | $109 (USD79.90) | |||
6GB | 15 days | Africa | $109 (USD79.90) | ||
Echo networks | 5GB - 50GB | 7 - 30 days | Japan | $30 - $135 | Up to 65% sale. |
30GB | 28 days | Australia | $24.90 | ||
10GB - Unlimited | 30 days | Europe & United Kingdom | $25 - $49.90 | ||
3GB - 20GB | 3 - 30 days | Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia | $12 - $72 | ||
10GB - 35GB | 7 - 20 days | Philippnes | $12.90 - $28.90 | ||
5GB - 50GB | 5 - 30 days | South Korea | $26.40 - $141.80 | ||
3GB - 50GB | 5 - 30 days | China | $25 - $150 | ||
1GB - 20GB | 5 - 30 days | Taiwan | $11.80 - $69.80 | ||
10GB - Unlimited | 10 - 30 days | United States | $40 - $90 |
Best for Light Data Users
For those who want to stay off-grid most of the time, this is for you.
eSIM | Data Capacity | Validity | Network Coverage | Est. Price (Before discount) | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
aloSIM | 1GB | 7 days | > 170 countries | $4.50 - $8 | Best for light data users |
2GB | 15 days | $8 - $15 | |||
3GB | 30 days | $9.50 - $21 | |||
5GB | 30 days | $13.50 - $32.50 | |||
10GB | 30 days | $21.50 - $55 | |||
ByteSim | 500MB/day | 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 days | > 160 countries | $4 - $9 (USD2.90 - 6.50) For reference: - $9.80 (USD7.20) for 5GB, 7days, Indonesia - $60 (USD43.90) for 6GB, 15 days, Japan | 24/7 support, with 20% off Best budget conscious travellers who are also light data users. |
1GB/day | |||||
2GB/day | |||||
3GB/day | |||||
Total 3GB | |||||
Total 5GB | |||||
Total 10GB | |||||
Total 20GB | |||||
Total 50G | |||||
Eskimo | 1GB | 2 years | > 80 countries | $10 (USD7) | Free 1.5 GB data when you sign up. Enter the gift voucher code [GOODTOFLY] when you’re signing up, or click on “Redeem Gift or Voucher” at the main page after you have signed up for an account. You can transfer data to someone who needs it. Data is valid for 2 years. Best for light data users. |
3GB | $25 (USD18) | ||||
5GB | $34 (USD25) | ||||
10GB | $53 (USD39) | ||||
30GB | $123 (USD90) | ||||
Xplori | 30days, 2.5GB | Asia Pacific Package - 22 countries | $23.11 | - | |
90days, 5GB | $38.06 | ||||
180days, 10GB | $51.66 | ||||
365 days, 15 GB | $60.49 | ||||
1day, 1GB | Asia Pacific Package - 17 countries | $4.76 | |||
3days, 1GB | $6.12 | ||||
7days, Unlimited for 3G, 5GB for 4G | $16.18 | ||||
15days, Unlimited for 3G, 7.5GB for 4G | $25.69 | ||||
30days, Unlimited for 3G, 10GB for 4G | $35.21 | ||||
1 - 7 days, limited data | Australia, Canada, Cambodia, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Norway, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunesia, TUrkey, Taiwan, UAE (Dubai), United States, Vietnam | $3.94 - $21.61 |
Get Your eSIM With A Credit Card
Don’t forget to cart out with your favourite credit card to clock cashback or miles!
Also, don’t forget to get travel insurance in case of any travel disruptions.
Which card would you be getting? Tell us in the Seedly Community!
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